The magnificent vistas over Cape Town, coupled with the historical importance and interest of the memorial, make this a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

The memorial, which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, was built in 1912 to honour former Cape Colony prime minister and mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes. The position chosen was Rhodes’ favourite viewing site.

The memorial was built in recognition of Rhodes’ contribution to Cape Town and the colony. The funders spared no cost in ensuring that it was an appropriate tribute to his contribution to South Africa.

Built from Cape granite quarried on Table Mountain, the memorial consists of 49 steps – one for each year of Rhodes’s life. The Doric columns were inspired by Rhodes’s appreciation of classical architecture, and the eight lions were modelled on those at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London.

A bronze bust of Rhodes rests on a pedestal featuring a poem written by his close friend, Rudyard Kipling; and the statue of Physical Energy at the base of the steps was commissioned as a tribute to his drive and determination.

The memorial affords visitors views to the north-east of Cape Town. Directly behind the memorial, on an elevated terrace, you will find the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 09h00 to 17h00. It serves al fresco meals daily, ranging from lovely salads to baguettes, platters and fresh fish. It is also renowned for its fresh cakes and desserts, created on the premises. Enjoy splendid views from the sun terrace in summer, and a log fire in winter.

The memorial is open to the public in winter (May to September) from 08h00 to 18h00, and in summer (October to April) from 07h30 to 19h00. Entry is free.

A cast of George Frederic Watts' bronze statue Physical Energy, a naked man on horseback, shielding his eyes from the sun, stares out across the Cape Flats from Rhodes Memorial. Photo courtesy of coda

This unique museum project takes visitors on a journey from when diamonds first began to form three billion years ago and their 150 km journey to the surface, following the unique path of South African diamonds from their origin in extinct volcanoes to the deposits along our coastline. Learn about unique and rare gemstones, and see how jewellery has changed through thousands of years. The story about South Africa’s mineral wealth is told, not only for diamonds, but also for our Platinum and Gold deposits.

This cultural village aims to remind us of our origin and serves as the reservoir for African knowledge pertaining to nature and traditions, giving us an opportunity to celebrate who we are through music (wonderful sounds from live bands) or from its’ distinct fineness of cuisine, topped up with African (local) arts and crafts.

Hot summer sun, extra long days and warm nights, sun-kissed skin and time to spend with loved ones; summer in Cape Town is the ideal time to get outdoors and enjoy getting closer to the spectacular nature that is within minutes from the bustling city.

Diamonds were formed three billion years ago by molecular-changing heat of around 1 300 °C, deep within the Earth’s crust. If you didn’t know that, then you have not been to the Cape Town Diamond Museum.